On Wednesday, September 29 2010 I was joined by Wietse and Johan on a scramble up Mount Kent. Kent is described by Andrew Nugara as a moderate scramble on slabs and scree with a rewarding view considering its modest height. We found Nugara’s description very accurate. Following his directions we reached the summit with no major issues. I have a different suggestion for a route on this one though. Unless you really like slabs and steep grass followed by scree, I would suggest taking the first climber’s left upon reaching the upper section at the end of the creek, where the creek goes to climber’s right and Andrew says to follow it.

Mount Kent Route Map

If you take the left gully you will be on nice grassy slopes until arriving at a dirt col. From the col go straight up the north slopes (climber’s right) – staying on grass / rock until hitting the ridge. The ridge is good fun (moderate, exposed) all the way to the summit. I would return the same way.

Looking west from the summit – Kent Ridge and James Walker in the background. Inflexible on the right, Smith Dorrien at left.Great views of the Spray Mountains from Indefatigable and Warrior at left to Birdwood and Smuts at right. Smith Dorrien Creek runs down the entire valley from right to left.Mount French and Smith Dorrien are impressive from this angle!Looking south with the Opal Range at distance left and the Spray Mountains at right. Kananaskis Lakes barely visible at center.

The views did not disappoint on this one but the lower section was a bit more ‘bushwhacky’ than I was expecting. I guess we have to wait a decade or so for the equivalent of a ‘Kane effect’ to happen with the Nugara scrambles.

Some exposure off the summit ridge.More exposure. Obviously Johan is not afraid of heights!

On the lower section you should stay in the creek or follow a faint goat path on climber’s left of the creek. I wouldn’t bother with hitting the bush – it isn’t worth it.